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PREDATOTOR CONTROL

Disclaimer: There is no perfect technology; each trap and lure has its pros and cons. We do not seek to endorse any particular product, but to provide information that will help people decide how best to reduce the negative impacts of small predators on native species and ecosystems within their areas of influence. 

Synthesis on PredCon lit for Hawaii

  • Description of page:

    • Major findings and lessons learned from PredCon research and trials done in Hawaii.

    • Maybe a linked index to the content below.

    • Headings that say the main applicable takeaways, followed by a paragraph describing the details and how things were tested and what was found.

    • Species info

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Trap Options

  • Brief descriptions of trap options and photo examples

    • Snap Traps & Body Grip Traps

      • Lorem ipsum dolor

    • Automatic Traps (self-resetting)

      • Lorem ipsum dolor

    • Live Traps

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Trap setting demo videos

  • Description of page:

    • Grouped video links to YouTube Channel that has organized playlists

  • Snap Traps

    • basic mechanism & safety

    • deploying

    • design of multi-trap deployment

    • maintenance

    • Troubleshooting

  • A24s

    • basic mechanism & safety

    • deploying

    • design of multi-trap deployment

    • maintenance

    • Troubleshooting

  • AT220s

    • basic mechanism and safety

    • deploying

    • design of multi-trap deployment

    • maintenance

    • Troubleshooting

  • Body Grip Traps

    • "Conibear-style"

    • Doc series (150, 200, 250)

  • Live Traps

  • Lures & Baits

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PreCon plan development & monitoring [predator monitoring BMPs]

  • These best management practices were developed by a group of Hawaii predator control practitioners to guide those who may be new to predator control.

  • Link to document

  • Copy/Paste document content into web page content

 

Predator proof fencing

About Small Predators
Small Vertebrate Predator Control
IMG-3979.jpg

Good Nature A24
Multi-Kill Self-Resetting Trap
Prepared by Tyler Bogardus for the 2018 Predator Control Forum, Hawaii Island

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Click to view original poster

Safety Concerns

Modification & Maintenance

Where to Set

How to Set

How to Check

Purchases

Miscellaneous Details

Safety Concerns

  • Personal Protection Equipment 

    • Nitrile gloves for trap checking (Leather gloves are safety recommended when de-gassing CO2 canisters)

  • Safety

    • Trigger trap from the top (the lure bottle cradle side)

    • Always treat the trap as live until you have de-gassed and de-pressurized it. Always keep fingers clear of the shroud entrance. After removing CO2 trap still has 1 hit remaining, ensure trap is de-pressurized before transporting.

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A24 Diagram

Modification and Maintenance

  • Maintenance

    • Once a year drain CO2 from trap and trigger until safe and then use alcohol wipes and clean inside of trap, trigger, and bracket.

    • Silicone grease on CO2 threads if corrosion is occurring.

  • Tips

    • Trap retention cables/locks if in high traffic area

    • Removing coins from ALPs (best to do that at the beginning of the operation).

  • Non-Target Exclusionary devices

    • Weka excluders

    • Building a “mini fence” around trapping site

    • Wooden boxes or wire mesh boxes

    • Trap set height

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GoodNature chocolate lure in static balls

GoodNature chocolate lure in Automatic Lure Pump (ALP)

Where to Set

  • Large-Scale Site Selection

    • 100meter X 50meter grid

  • Within-site set Location

    • Installed in appropriate boxes/non-target exclusionary device if necessary

    • On trail or just off trail

  • Areas to Avoid

    • Avoid trails with easy public access

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Example of 100x50 meter grid

How to Set

  • Prepare the Set Location

    • Find a straight tree with a clear footing

    • Can be set up to a 45 degree angle only if no straight trees can be found

    • Set on up-slope side of tree

    • Bottom of bracket should be 10-12cm from the ground. May need to clear dirt on up-slope side to allow for clearance of the CO2 canister

    • Can be set on various types of stakes/poles or trap stands

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A24 Set on Tree

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A24 Set on Plastic Pole

How to Check

  • Trap Checking Routine

    • Look for any carcasses

    • If counter present press button firmly once to display number of strikes. (record)

    • Remove trap from mounting bracket

    • If bracket is becoming too tight, loosen screws a couple of turns. Do this when needed.

    • Unscrew lid.

    • Unscrew ALP. (Record bait present Yes/No).

    • Test trigger from top of trap (record pass/fail).

    •  Drain CO2 from trap and trigger until safe.

    • Use alcohol wipes and clean inside of trap, trigger, and bracket.

    • Install new CO2

    • Note: you do not need to trigger the trap again.

    • Install new ALP, make sure coin is removed and threads are correct.

    • Smear small amount of fresh bait below bracket.

    • Screw lid back on.

    • Click trap back onto mounting bracket.

    • Reset counter if present by depressing the button for ~5 seconds.

    • Ensure flagging is maintained and trap number is visible..

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GoodNature Automatic Lure Pump

Purchasing​

Miscellaneous Details​

  • Counters

    • Uses

    • Reliability/issues

    • Make sure they are not turned sideways

  • Misc

    • Alternative fastening devices (zip ties, plant wire, etc) good/bad?

    • Screwing into native trees, stakes, posts

    • Setting traps at an angle, good/bad?

    • A24 plastic stand

  • Citric Acid Slug Deterent

    • 5% citric acid showed significant reduction in slug consumption of chocolate lure

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Slug has consumed bait in 3 weeks

ALP with no slug consumption at 3 weeks

How to Check
Miscellaneous Details
Mod & Maint
Where to Set
Safety Concerns
How to Set
Purchasing
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